DISCLAIMER: The following contains spoilers for Wynonna Earp. If you’re not already caught up with the first two seasons, launch Netflix and watch seasons 1 and 2 and tune in to SyFy for season 3!

Waverly Earp

Fast Facts:

Waverly Earp (portrayed by Dominique Provost-Chalkley) is Wynonna Earp’s (Melanie Scrofano) baby sister, which also makes her the great-great-granddaughter of famous wild west gunslinger Wyatt Earp (Patrick J. MacEachern). As a child, their mother had left, their father was killed, and their elder sister, Willa (Natalie Krill), had been kidnapped. Waverly stayed in Purgatory, a town nestled in the Ghost River Triangle that houses the Earp homestead. When Wynonna inherits the family curse, Waverly began secretly researching the curse. Her research led her back to the times of Wyatt Earp, including everything from newspaper clippings to letters written to and from Earp heirs. She specifically geared her college education toward something that would help with her research: Ancient Cultures and Languages.

The Real Deal

Waverly Earp isn’t actually an Earp, but we have yet to find out who she really is. She and Wynonna only recently found this out, though, so their sisterly bond from their upbringing remains. The pair fight alongside their friends, including the semi-immortal Doc Holliday (Tim Rozon), to try to break the Earp curse using all of the research Waverly has been able to gather. They have, so far, only managed to free the demon that cursed Wyatt. Through their quest, Waverly’s stubbornness and deep caring makes her an invaluable companion and strong backbone to the team.

Waverly’s chemistry with Deputy Nichole Haught (Katherine Barrell) is unexpected, but when she allows herself to explore the possibility and date the officer, she finds herself head over heels in love. The two work well together alongside Wynonna Earp, Doc Holliday, and the remnants of Black Badge: Agent Xavier Dolls (Shamier Anderson) and the scientist Jeremy (Varun Saranga).

Why She Matters

Waverly is the precocious little sister everyone needs. She is just the perfect mix of annoyance and innocence to stand alongside Wynonna Earp. She steps in and provides a little conscience and brains. Sure, smart women can be seen across television, but how often are they shown as a demure, quirky, nerdy girl? Waverly, while quirky in her own way, is anything but the stereotypical smart girl. She knows her stuff and she will not be silenced when it is important.

In addition, her realistic transition from a lost young woman resigning herself to a life with small-town boys to a strong and sure woman snuggling into her lady lover won fans over across the world. The Earper fandom dubbed the duo #WayHaught before their relationship officially blossomed, then threw an excited party when it was confirmed. A positive LGBT relationship on screen in a sci-fi television show that also is not directly tied to the demise of a character? This alone qualifies Waverly Earp, the character that inspired the unicorn emoji use across social media, to be our #WomanCrushWednesday!